Investigation on the cutting quality characteristics of abrasive water jet machining of AA6061-B4C-hBN hybrid metal matrix composites

Aluminum metal matrix composites (AMMCs) explicitly show better physical and mechanical properties as compared to aluminum alloys and results in a more preferred material for a wide range of applications. The addition of reinforcements embargo AMMCs employment to industry requirements by increasing order of machining complexity. However, it can be machined with a high order of surface integrity by nonconventional approaches like abrasive water jet machining. Hybrid aluminum alloy composites were reinforced by B₄C (5–15?vol%) and solid lubricant hBN (15?vol%) particles and fabricated using a liquid metallurgy route. This research article deals with the experimental investigation on the effect of process parameters such as mesh size, abrasive flow rate, water pressure and work traverse speed of abrasive water jet machining on hybrid AA6061-B₄C-hBN composites. Water jet pressure and traverse speed have been proved to be the most significant parameters which influenced the responses like kerf taper angle and surface roughness. Increase in reinforcement particles affects both the kerf taper angle and surface roughness. SEM images of the machined surface show that cutting wear mechanism was largely operating in material removal.     

Surface integrity in high speed end milling of titanium alloy Ti–6Al–4V

Abstract

Machined titanium components, such as medical prosthesis, require the greatest reliability, which is determined by process induced surface integrity. However, surface integrity of milled titanium components easily deteriorates due to the poor machinability of titanium alloys and cyclic chip loading during milling. Milling induced surface integrity, including anisotropic surface roughness, residual stress, surface microstructure alterations and microhardness, has received little attention. In the present study, a series of end milling experiments were conducted to comprehensively characterise surface integrity at various milling conditions of titanium alloy Ti–6Al–4V with TiAlN coated carbide cutting tools. The experiments were carried out under dry cutting conditions. For a range of cutting speeds, feeds and depths of cut, analyses of machined surface roughness, residual stress, microhardness and the microstructural observations were carried out. The present work aims to evaluate the influence of different milling conditions on workpiece surface integrity.     

Influence of graphite powder mixed EDM on the surface integrity characteristics of Inconel 625

Surface integrity in electric discharge machining (EDM) has always been a major concern in the manufacturing industry. Although, EDM with a powder suspended dielectric has shown good potential in enhancing the material removal rate and improving surface finish, influence of the same on the overall surface integrity is not very clear. The current work utilized the graphite powder and evaluated its role in combination with concentration and machining parameters, on surface roughness (Ra), surface crack density (SCD), white layer thickness, microhardness depth profile, possible phase changes, and residual stress during powder-mixed EDM (PMEDM) of Inconel 625 (a nickel-based super alloy), that is now-a-days regularly used in aerospace, chemical and marine industries. The results showed that significant reduction in surface roughness, crack density, and white layer thickness is possible with the PMEDM process. It also promoted formation of carbides and other alloy compounds which is responsible for augmentation of hardness in surface and subsurface region. The added particles also caused a decline in tensile residual stress of the machined samples.     

Analysis of powder steel material,laser sintering technology and machining on surface parameters and fatigue

The technology of selective laser melting (SLM) is booming in all engineering applications today and tends to expand production of statically and dynamically loaded parts, not only for the prototypes but also for direct metal end–use parts. However, apart from design and type of loading, there still is a number of real material and technological parameters that contribute to the final quality of the produced parts and affect or improve the surface integrity and life of the parts. This paper expands the results and conclusions made in some previous works and presents all data from the tests expressed in their technological relations. The main conclusion is that a suitable machining process did not affect the surface integrity and fatigue of the tested samples, and the key role in assessments were the material structure, its homogeneity and defects.     

Grinding of Toroidal and Cylindrical Surfaces on SiC Using Diamond Grinding Wheels

This paper presents the methods and experimental results for grinding toroidal and cylindrical surfaces made of silicon carbide using diamond grinding wheels and an inexpensive CNC machining center. The mirrors were successfully obtained by automatic grinding operations with good shape accuracy, mirror surface finish, and low roughness heights. The time consumed in the process is very short. Industrial manufacture of lenses usually involves three operations — grinding without dressing, lapping, and polishing. In the laboratory studies, however, mirrors and lenses have been manufactured only with grinding process, because of 100% ductile-mode material removal in grinding with dressing. These processes were individually evaluated for surface roughness and surface integrity using surface roughness testers and a scanning electron microscope.     

Evaluation of WEDM performance characteristics of Inconel 706 for turbine disk application

Inconel 706 is a newly developed superalloy, which offers high mechanical strength alongwith easy fabricability thus making it suitable for turbine disk applications. Although Inconel 706 exhibits a substantial increase in stress rupture and tensile yield strength compared to other superalloys, its conventional machining yields poor surface finish and low dimensional accuracy of the machined components. Hence, wire electrical discharge machining (WEDM) of Inconel 706 has been performed and various performance attributes such as material removal rate (MRR), surface roughness (SR), recast surface, topography, microhardness, microstructural and metallurgical changes of the machined components have been evaluated. The experimental results revealed that servo voltage, pulse on time, and pulse off time greatly influence the MRR and SR. Due to high toughness of Inconel 706, no micro cracks were observed on the machined surface. Micro voids and micro globules are significantly reduced at low pulse on time and high servo voltage. But, there is a propensity of thick recast layer formation at high pulse on time and low servo voltage. EDAX analysis of recast surface exposed the existence of Cu and Zn which have migrated from the brass wire. The subsurface microhardness was changed to 80 μm due to significant thermal degradation.     

Controlling the material removal and roughness of Inconel 718 in laser machining

Nickel alloys including Inconel 718 are considered as challenging materials for machining. Laser beam machining could be a promising choice to deal with such materials for simple to complex machining features. The machining accuracy is mainly dependent on the rate of material removal per laser scan. Because of the involvement of many laser parameters and complexity of the machining mechanism it is not always simple to achieve machining with desired accuracy. Actual machining depth extremely varies from very low to aggressively high values with reference to the designed depth. Thus, a research is needed to be carried out to control the process parameters to get actual material removal rate (MRR_act) equals to the theoretical material removal rate (MRR_th) with minimum surface roughness (SR) of the machined surfaces. In this study, five important laser parameters have been used to investigate their effects on MRR and SR. Statistical analysis are performed to identify the significant parameters with their strength of effects. Mathematical models have been developed and validated to predict the machining responses. Optimal set of laser parameters have also been proposed and confirmed to achieve the actual MRR close to the designed MRR (MRR_% = 100.1%) with minimum surface roughness (R_a = 2.67 µm).     

Influence of material swelling on surface roughness in diamond turning of single crystals

Abstract

The effect of material swelling on the surface roughness in ultraprecision diamond turning has been investigated. Experimental results from the power spectrum analysis indicate that the profile of the tool marks is distorted by the effect of swelling of the materials being cut. A good correlation exists between the surface roughness and the amount of swelling that has occurred in the machined layer. Radically different surface roughness profiles were obtained when machining aluminium and copper single crystals with the same cutting plane and tool shape. The difference in the machining behaviour could not be accounted for by elastic recovery alone but could be explained by considering the plastic deformation induced in the machined layer.     

Measurement and characterization of porosity in aluminium selective laser melting parts using X-ray CT

ABSTRACT

Selective laser melting (SLM) is an additive manufacturing technique which has the capability to produce complex metal parts with almost 100% density and good mechanical properties. Despite the potential benefits of SLM technology, there are technical challenges relating to the qualification and certification of the manufactured parts that limits its application in safety-critical industries, such as aerospace. Material porosity in SLM parts is detrimental for aerospace applications since it compromises structural integrity and could result in premature structural failure of parts. This paper describes the application of the non-destructive X-ray computed tomography (XCT) method to characterize the internal structure to enhance the understanding of the process parameters on material porosity and thus provide quality control of the SLM AlSi10Mg parts. An efficient and reliable XCT image processing procedure that involves image enhancement and ring artefact removal prior to image segmentation is presented. The obtained porosity level is compared with the conventional Archimedes method, showing good agreement. The characteristics of pores, such as shapes and sizes, are also discussed.     

Analysis of Surface Integrity in Drilling Metal Matrix and Hybrid Metal Matrix Composites

Hybrid metal matrix composites consist of at least three constituents-a metal or an alloy matrix and two reinforcements in various forms, bonded together at the atomic level in the composite. Despite their higher specific properties of strength and stiffness, the non homogeneous and anisotropic nature combined with the abrasive reinforcements render their machining difficult. In this paper, the surface integrity of machining in drilling hybrid composites has been discussed. Drilling tests are carried out at different spindle speed, feed rates, and different drill tool materials to investigate the effect of the various cutting parameters on the surface quality and the extent of the deformation of drilled surface due to drilling. Materials used for the present investigation are Al356/10SiC (wt%) metal matrix and Al356/10SiC-3mica (wt%) hybrid composites. The composites are fabricated using stir casting route. The drilling tests are conducted on vertical computer numeric control (CNC) machining center using carbide, coated carbide and polycrystalline diamond (PCD) drills. The surface roughness decreases with increasing spindle speed and increases with increasing feed rate. The machined surface is analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). SEM images of the machined surfaces indicate the presence of grooves and pits. Microhardness depth profiles indicate that the subsurface damage is limited to the top of 100-250 μm.     

Surface Roughness and Microhardness Evaluation for EDM with Cu–Mn Powder Metallurgy Tool

In the present research, composite electrode (Cu–Mn) manufactured through powder metallurgy has been used to machine hot die steel (H11) by electrical discharge machining (EDM) process with the aim of inducing manganese and carbon into the machined surface. Such alloying is expected to improve the microhardness and other surface characteristics. Best level of process parameters for better surface finish and high microhardness are found using Taguchi method. Six processing parameters are considered and their significance is investigated by analysis of variance. Techniques like energy dispersive spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and X-ray diffraction are used to ascertain the surface characteristics. Surface machined at optimum process conditions for microhardness shows 93.7% improvement due to formation of cementite, ferrite and manganese carbide phases. Surface roughness having Ra value of 3.11 µm has been achieved.     

Effect of Thermal and Material Anisotropy of Pyrolytic Carbon in Vibration-Assisted Micro-EDM Process

Pyrolytic carbon (PyC) is extremely biocompatible with high directional strength and unique directional thermal conductivity. PyC is used in biomedical devices like cardiovascular implants and finger prosthesis. Microfeatures on PyC have been proven as performance-driving agents in many cases. This work is focused on micro-electric discharge machining (micro-EDM) characterization of PyC to understand the effect of material/thermal anisotropy on the process response. An L9 Taguchi design of experiments has been performed to analyze the effect of gap voltage, capacitance, and frequency on the MRR, surface quality, and dimensional accuracy. MRR increases by 16% with vibration in AB plane machining. In C plane, the effect of vibration on MRR is not favorable. MRR reduces by 56% if the machining plane changes from AB to C due to the lower thermal conductivity along C. Surface roughness decreases by an order of magnitude if machining plane changes from AB to C; surface roughness of 65 nm has been achieved in C plane under certain conditions. The error in dimensional accuracy in C plane is 46% lower than AB plane. EDS shows noncontaminated machined surface. Finally, micro-EDM process has been used to create microfeatures in PyC, which could potentially improve/alter the desired surface quality.     

Application of NN technique for predicting the in-depth residual stresses during hard machining of AISI 52100 steel

In machining of parts, surface quality is one of the most impellent customer requirements. The most relevant issues are surface roughness and residual stresses. In particular, the latter are affected by tool geometry, material characteristics and process conditions. Residual stresses can have a significant effect on the service quality and the component life. Residual stresses can be determined by both empirical and numerical investigations for selected configurations, however, these are expensive procedures. This paper presents a hybrid model based on the artificial neural networks (ANNs) and finite element method (FEM) that can be used to predict the residual stress profile. A three layer neural network has been trained and tested on the data obtained by numerical investigations of hard machining of 52100 bearing steel. The numerical results are consistent with experimental data.     

Machine Learning Based Predictive Modeling of Machining Induced Microhardness and Grain Size in Ti–6Al–4V Alloy

Titanium and its alloys are today used in many industries including aerospace, automotive, and medical device and among those Ti–6Al–4 V alloy is the most suitable because of favorable properties such as high strength-to-weight ratio, toughness, superb corrosion resistance, and bio-compatibility. Machining induced surface integrity and microstructure alterations size play a critical role in product fatigue life and reliability. Cutting tool geometry, coating type, and cutting conditions can affect surface and subsurface hardness as well as grain size. In this paper, predictions of machining induced microhardness and grain size are performed by using 3D finite element (FE) simulations of machining and machine learning models. Microhardness and microstructure of machined surfaces of Ti–6Al–4 V are investigated. Hardness measurements are conducted at elevated temperatures to develop a predictive model by utilizing FE-based temperature fields for hardness profile. Measured hardness, grain size, and fractions are utilized in developing predictive models. Predicted microhardness profiles and grain sizes are then utilized in understanding the effect of machining parameters such as cutting speed, tool coating, and edge radius on the surface integrity. Optimization using genetic algorithms is performed to identify most favorable tool edge radius and cutting conditions.     

The effect of cutting speed and heat treatment on the fatigue life of Grade 5 and Grade 23 Ti–6Al–4V alloys

High speed machining is a necessary manufacturing method for ensuring productivity and profitability. However, research has demonstrated that the high speed machining process impairs the surface characteristics of materials such as Ti–6Al–4V including surface roughness and subsurface microstructural damage. Therefore, there is concern that high speed machining detrimentally influences the fatigue properties of Ti–6Al–4V components. This paper investigates the effect of cutting speed on the surface integrity and fatigue properties of Ti–6Al–4V (ASTM Grade 5) and Ti–6Al–4V ELI (ASTM Grade 23) alloys in the beta annealed and mill annealed heat treated conditions. It was found that the surface roughness and fatigue properties are not significantly influenced by cutting speed, however, the microstructure substantially influences the properties.     

选区激光熔化成形的316L不锈钢点阵夹层结构的力学性能和能量吸收性能研究

目的 以选区激光熔化（SLM）成形的316L不锈钢点阵夹层结构为研究对象,研究单一、混合芯层对点阵夹层结构力学性能和能量吸收性能的影响,为轻质高强耐撞点阵夹层结构提供设计依据。方法 通过SLM成形技术,以316L不锈钢粉末为原材料,制备点阵夹层结构,利用扫描电镜对SLM成形的点阵夹层结构几何结构特征进行观察,利用准静态压缩实验对点阵夹层结构的力学性能和能量吸收性能进行研究。结果 在选定的SLM成形工艺参数下,SLM成形的点阵夹层结构芯层的连接杆表面存在一定的粗糙度且斜向连接杆的表面粗糙度比竖直连接杆的表面粗糙度大。在SLM成形的点阵夹层结构中,混合点阵夹层结构BFB和FBF的弹性模量分别为2 525.7 MPa和2 493.8 MPa,屈服强度分别为36.3 MPa和38.3 MPa,能量吸收分别为16 J和17.2 J,比吸能分别为1.21 J/g和1.36 J/g,其弹性模量、屈服强度、能量吸收和比吸能均优于单一BCCZ点阵夹层结构的。在准静态压缩过程中,BFB和FBF这2种混合点阵结构芯层的变形模式不同于单一BCCZ点阵结构芯层的。结论 与单一点阵夹层结构相比,2层BCCZ布置在...     

Influence of input parameters on the near-dry WEDM of Monel alloy

Near-dry wire electrical discharge machining (WEDM) is a modified WEDM process, which has no adverse effects on the environment, in which metal removals have been done with the dielectric medium being used in the form of a mist. As the increase in production by reducing the machining time is a costly affair, the input parameters attract considerable attention for their optimization. The predominant control characteristics in this study are the time-bound material removal and surface quality. The time duration of the electrical pulse on and off, wire feed, air inlet pressure, and water flow rate are the parameters considered for this experimental analysis. In this paper, the optimization techniques such as RSM method and analysis of variance (ANOVA) were used to route the experiments and optimize the responses of near-dry WEDM process for machining the material Monel alloy. A model has been formulated mathematically for the two vital responses needed, under the influence of regression analysis. Additivity test has been performed to validate the mathematical model. The air–water mixture in the form of a mist was used in place of dielectric medium to study the impact on material removal rate (MRR), surface roughness (R_a), and environment. It was observed that a high surface finish could be obtained at 3 bar pressure.     

Experimental Study of Cutting Force,Microhardness, Surface Roughness,and Burr Size on Micromilling of Ti6Al4V in Minimum Quantity Lubrication

In the present study, the effects of various cutting conditions on the surface integrity of titanium parts (Ti6Al4V) have been investigated during the micromilling process. In addition, to have a better understanding of the results, the cutting force was measured. The experiments were performed in the Minimum Quantity Lubrication condition using the tungsten carbide microtool with 0.5 mm in diameter. Micromilling parameters including feed rate, spindle speed and axial depth of cut were considered as process inputs, each in three levels, and their effects on the surface roughness, burr width, surface and in-depth microhardness as well as mean cutting force were evaluated. In the range of experimental parameters and according to the results, cutting speed and feed per tooth had the highest impact on the surface integrity characteristics of this alloy, respectively. While most research works concentrated on the feed per tooth as the main parameter in the micromilling process, the result of the study showed that the variation of cutting speed as one of the influential factors could also be used in order to decrease cutting forces and to improve surface quality.     

Ultrasonic Assisted Electrical Discharge Machining of Ti–6Al–4V Alloy

In this research, an attempt was made to investigate the influence of copper tool vibration with ultrasonic frequency on output parameters in the electrical discharge machining of Ti–6Al–4V. The selected input parameters for the experiment comprise of ultrasonic vibrations of tool, current and pulse duration and the outputs are tool wear ratio (TWR), material removal rate (MRR), and stability of machining process and surface integrity of a workpiece, including surface roughness, thickness of recast layer, and formation of micro cracks. Scanning electron microscope and X-Ray diffraction were employed to examine the surface integrity of the workpiece. The results revealed that tool vibration with ultrasonic frequency enhances MRR via increasing normal discharges and decreasing arc discharges and open circuit pulses. Also, by using ultrasonic vibrations in finishing regimes, the density of cracks and TWR decrease while in roughing regimes, the thickness of recast layer, density of cracks, and TWR increase.     

Broaching Performance of Superalloy GH4169 Based on FEM

The nickel-based superalloy GH4169 is an important material for high temperature applications in the aerospace industry. However, due to its poor machinability, GH4169 is hard to be cut and generates saw-tooth chips during high speed machining, which could significantly affect the dynamic cutting force, cutting temperature fluctuation, tool life, and the surface integrity of the parts. In this paper, the saw-tooth chip formation mechanism of superalloy GH4169 was investigated by the elasto-viscoplastic finite element method (FEM). Using the finite element software of ABAQUS/Explicit, the deformation of the part during high speed machining was simulated. The effective plastic strain, the temperature field, the stress distribution, and the cutting force were analyzed to determine the influence of the cutting parameters on the saw-tooth chip formation. The study on broaching performance has great effect on selecting suitable machining parameters and improving tool life.